The Back Page - Nov. 14 2021
A few quick hits from stories that didn’t make it into The Frenzy Five: Volume IV (11/1421)
European League of Football
Frankfurt Galaxy Quarterback Jakeb Sullivan has resigned with the team. Sullivan led the Galaxy to an 11-1 record in the regular season, and helped capture the first ELF championship in 2021. Sullivan threw for 2,908 yards and a league high 32 Touchdowns during his 2021 campaign. Sullivan would be named the ELF Offensive MVP of the Year, as well as being crowned the Euro-Bowl championship game MVP.
The Berlin Thunder of the ELF have signed reigning Defensive Player of the Year DE Kyle Kitchens. Kitchens played last season with the Leipzig Kings. He collected 12.5 Sacks in 12 games this past season before being named the league’s best defender. Kitchens previously spent time in the FCF in early 2021, as well as the GFL in 2019.
Lastly in ELF news, longtime NFL coach Wade Phillips visited the Barcelona Dragons facility this past week. Though unconfirmed by the team, it appears Phillips may have visited the Berlin Thunder facility as well. In a tweet posted by Phillips, he said:
”Had a great trip to Berlin and Barcelona. American football in Europe. We had a super football clinic in Berlin!I was really impressed with the Barcelona organization . The EFL (European Football League) is gaining momentum.”
Phillips would later correct the above tweet by saying “ELF - European League of Football”. This bodes well for the future of the ELF. While the storied NFL coach may not ever step foot into the ELF, getting high praises from a well respected head coach is fantastic for the league.
National Arena League
The Albany Empire has a new majority owner. The team announced the move this past Friday, as Mike Kwarta will be taking over ownership of the franchise. Kwarta, Capital Region owner, has taken over the shares held by the Empire’s previous owners, and will assume the day-to-day activities within the franchise. Kwarta is also the owner of Tech East Water & Restoration, a company based in Colonie, New York. Kwarta said this in his statement via the league’s press release:
“…As great as year one was, I know that we can get better not only on the field but as an organization and member of the community…”
The Empire come off an NAL championship, and now look towards it’s second year in the league under new ownership.
In other NAL news, the Jacksonville Sharks announced the signing of former XFL LB Anthony Johnson Sr. Johnson was a staple in the Seattle Dragons defense during it’s shortened 2020 season. While the transition to arena football might come with some hurdles, Johnson should adapt quickly. This is a huge signing for the Sharks!
Fan Controlled Football
The voting for the Ballerz Collective logo ended this past Friday. The winner will be formally announced in the coming days. More info was also announced around the Ballerz Collective. The below link gives the full details on the First Ever IRL NFT Experience:
The Spring League
Former Aviators DE Alex Tchangam has been signed by the Seattle Seahawks practice squad. Tchangam had been previously signed as a member of the Seahawks PS, but was released back at the end of August.
Indoor Football League
The Bay Area Panthers had a busy week signing free agents ahead of it’s 2022 season. They announced the signings of former TSL RB Dawonya Tucker, along with former FCF WR Troy Evans, Jr. Tucker spent part of the TSL’s 2022 season with the Sea Lions. For Evans’ Jr., he’s no stranger to arena style football. He’s spent many seasons in the IFL, most recently with the Spokane Shock.
In other IFL news, the Vegas Knight Hawks added five players to it’s roster on Friday, including some familiar faces from the NFL / CFL. The most notable signing is former NFL and XFL Safety Matt Elam. Dalton Sneed spent some time in the CFL. All in all, a nice group of signings for the Knight Hawks.
United States Football League
Not much to speak of for the USFL this week. With the XFL announcing it’s executives for the 2023 season, it seems the USFL has decided to push it’s announcement with Fox back a week. Look for USFL news to pop up here next week as we inch closer to the 2022 start date.